About

The Olga Kern International
Piano Competition

The venue for young pianists
to develop international careers.

Mission

To provide the venue for young pianists to develop international careers through a competition that is recognized globally for its value and excellence.

Words from the Board President

“It is so exciting to be presenting the second Olga Kern International Piano Competition. We dearly love Olga in New Mexico, and we are thrilled that she has chosen to have her Competition here. And it is a wonderful collaboration with the New Mexico Philharmonic – both organizations will be better for this great connection. I am deeply honored to serve as the first president of the Competition’s board.”

The Competition

Acclaimed careers begin here.

The Olga Kern International Piano Competition (OKIPC) provides the New Mexico Philharmonic’s audiences an opportunity to see developing world-class pianists at the beginning of their professional careers.The finalists and winners of the Competition will go on to long and acclaimed careers across the globe, performing before diverse audiences on every continent.They will be known always, wherever they go, as winners of the Competition which is presented by the New Mexico Philharmonic.And the New Mexico Philharmonic audiences will always remember that their careers began here.

The competition takes place every 3 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is open to pianists 18 to 32 years old.

Words from the Artistic Director &
President of the Jury

“I have been here many times and every time I felt very loved. I could not think of a better place for the Olga Kern International Piano Competition to call home than Albuquerque and New Mexico. I am so excited for the competition to provide the venue for young pianists to develop international careers through a competition that is recognized globally for its value and excellence.”